Louisiana Ragin Cajuns (4-1, 2-0 Sun Belt Conference) vs Appalachian State Mountaineers (4-1, 1-0 Sun Belt Conference)

Start Time: Tuesday, October 12nd, 6:30 PM CDT

Location: Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA

Weather: 83º, Partly Sunny, Wind NNW 8 mph

All-Time: App State leads series 8-1

Betting Line: App St -5, O/U 56

TV: ESPN2, ESPN+

Radio: ESPN 1420 AM, KHXT Hot 107.9 FM

Preview

It’ll be a battle on national TV Tuesday night as Louisiana and App State go toe-to-toe in what’s always a juggernaut matchup. The Cajuns have spent the first half of the season winning — but their wins have come in less than a decisive manner.

Three of the Cajuns’ four wins have come by one score or less, including a three-point win versus FCS Nicholls State and a two-point win against a surprising South Alabama team. Meanwhile, App St has been impressive in their victories over Marshall, East Carolina, Georgia State and Elon — led by Chase Brice, Cam Peoples, and Malik Williams, just to name a few. The Mountaineers also went to Miami and pushed the Hurricanes to the brink, falling by two points in mid-September.

App State also leads the all-time series between the two programs — by a wide margin. They lead the all-time series eight game to win — including beating Lousiana in four of the last 5 meetings, including three meetings in the Sun Belt Championship game. The Cajuns will look to use their home-field advantage to win back-to-back games against the Mountaineers for the first time.

Injury wise for the Cajuns, no changes to the depth chart this week. Injury status for App St is unknown at this time.

Prediction

The Cajuns will need everything they can bring on offense, as App averages 35 points per game to Louisiana’s 28. Defensively, Louisiana will have to find a way to control App State’s rushing attack with Peoples, Noel, and even Brice on occasion. The Mountaineers’ receiving core is also a major concern with 3-4 solid options for Brice and HC Shawn Clark. In the end, App will be too much for Louisiana to handle.

Mountaineers 45, Cajuns 31